Software Quality Assurance

Chapter 12 Supplier Management and Agreements

After completing this chapter, you will be able to:

• – understand the importance, as well as the effect, of including SQA in projects that involve external suppliers;
• – know the requirements of the ISO 9001, ISO/IEC/IEEE 12207 standard, and the CMMI^® model for the management of agreements with suppliers;
• – recognize the difference between suppliers and external participants;
• – communicate and manage the risks associated with external participants;
• – be aware of the two main software contract reviews;
• – understand the requirements of the IEEE 730 standard regarding the monitoring of suppliers in the quality assurance plan of the project.

12.1 Introduction

When software work involves external suppliers, the software quality assurance (SQA) staff and project managers should be knowledgeable in the management of suppliers and agreements/contracts. The quality of a relationship between partners is a complex concept and it is key to the success of the project. We believe that adequate preparation, the choice of an adequate agreement or contract type, frequent reviews, and follow-up are fundamental for a good relationship. The development of contractual clauses that apply the knowledge described in this book is also key for delivering quality software in this complex situation.

Ensuring quality results in this type of project requires that the supplier's personnel are involved and knowledgeable regarding SQA processes. To ensure this, ...